Roulette Odds Explained: RTP & House Edge in Roulette
Roulette is one of the most popular casino games, and while it may appear straightforward, there’s more to it than meets the eye. Behind the spinning wheel and range of betting options lie a few important concepts that can influence the outcome of your play over time.
Two key terms you’re likely to come across are Return to Player (RTP) and house edge. These figures offer insight into how much players might expect to win or lose over time and are central to understanding the odds in roulette.
In this blog post, we’ll break down what RTP means, how it’s calculated, and how it relates to the house edge. We’ll compare the odds in different types of roulette, such as European and American variants, and explain which bets tend to offer better returns. By the end, you’ll have a clear grasp of the numbers behind the game, helping you make more informed choices when you play.
Read on to learn more.
What Does RTP Mean in Roulette?
RTP, or Return to Player, is expressed as a percentage and indicates how much of the total amount wagered may be paid back to players, on average, over time.
For instance, if a roulette game has an RTP of 97%, it means that, on average, around £97 is expected to be returned to players, on average, for every £100 staked, based on results across many rounds. The remaining amount represents the casino’s share, known as the house edge.
It’s important to note that RTP is a statistical measure over time. It doesn’t predict outcomes in a single game or session but provides a benchmark for comparing different roulette tables and identifying those that may offer better value over time.
How Is Return to Player Calculated in Roulette?
To work out RTP, you look at the amount paid back from all possible winning outcomes compared to the total number of spins. As an example, in European roulette, there are 37 pockets. A single number bet pays 35 to 1. The RTP is calculated by adding up the returns for a winning bet, dividing by the possible results, and converting this into a percentage.
If you want to compare roulette tables, knowing how RTP is calculated is helpful, as it’s a reliable way of seeing how much could be returned after a lot of play.
Roulette Odds vs RTP: What’s the Difference?
Roulette odds refer to the likelihood of a specific outcome, such as a bet on black or a particular number, based on the number of pockets on the wheel and the type of bet placed. These odds help indicate what is likely to happen on the next spin.
In contrast, RTP provides a perspective over a longer period. It represents the overall percentage of money wagered that may be returned to players, on average, over time, across many rounds of play.
In essence, odds relate to the chances of specific results, while RTP reflects how much of the money wagered may be returned to players in general. Considering both can help you better understand the potential outcomes of different bets.
Do European and American Roulette Have Different RTPs?
There are two big types of roulette found in most places: European and American. The main difference is simple—European roulette has one zero, while American roulette has two (a single zero and a double zero).
That extra double zero on the American wheel means that the odds aren’t quite as good for the player, which lowers the RTP. In fact, European roulette typically offers an RTP of about 97.3%, compared to roughly 94.74% for American roulette.
Why Does the House Edge Matter in Roulette?
The house edge represents the portion of each bet that the casino retains, and it’s built into the design of every roulette game through the wheel layout and the payout structure.
For example, the inclusion of a zero—or in some versions, a double zero—means the potential payouts are slightly lower than the true odds of winning. This small difference is what allows the casino to maintain a profit while keeping the game fair and consistent for players.
Understanding the house edge can help you compare different versions of roulette and get a clearer idea of how your balance might change throughout a session if you’re considering playing. It’s an interesting factor to consider if you’re deciding which game may offer better value.
Which Roulette Bets Have the Best RTP?
If you choose to play roulette, you’ll find that all standard bets, such as red, black, even, odd, or individual numbers, generally offer the same RTP on a given table. In European roulette, this RTP is around 97.3%, while American roulette typically offers a lower RTP of about 94.74%, due to the extra double-zero pocket.
Some tables may include special rules like La Partage or En Prison, which apply to even-money bets when the ball lands on zero. If these rules are in play, they can slightly improve the RTP for those specific bets.
If you’re considering placing even-money bets and want the best possible odds, it might be worth checking whether these rules are available before you start. Otherwise, since the RTP is consistent across standard bets, choosing between them often comes down to personal preference rather than statistical advantage.
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*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.